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The Crime Stoppers Hoon hotline has been operating for over 5 months now.
With the combination of the hotline and more police looking out for hoon drivers, the results are exceeding expectations.
Reaction to this community led initiative has been extremely positive and Crime Stoppers is an important tool in the fight against hoons.
The introduction of the hotline has given the public the opportunity to get actively involved and is assisting police with targeting offenders and making our roads safer.
An unprecedented volume of information has been received by police which allows for both short and long term responses.,p>
Crime Stoppers has modelled it’s response on that of the local hotlines with the advantage of:
• Recording the information on a central database to capture hoon drivers wherever they breach the law and across all police regions
• Freeing up police members from administrating local lines so that more members are on patrol
• Providing the basis for targeted operations that create efficiencies in
the allocation of resources
Repeat offenders are now more likely than ever to be targeted as a result of your information to Crime Stoppers.
The range of enforcement options available to police has made the hotline a powerful tool to ensure drivers are held accountable for their behaviour.
This ranges from a simple identification or warning notice through to vehicle impoundment.
This is powerful legislation which police believe has had a significant positive impact on Victorian road safety.
Victoria Police has the power to impound, immobilise or confiscate any vehicle involved in a hoon act, regardless of whether or not the driver is the registered owner.
Police are not impounding cars simply because a report has been made. The information will be used to give a picture of hoon behaviour in the local area and proactively target it.
Comparing the 06-07 fiscal year and 07-08 fiscal year police have seen a 30% increase in impounding vehicles due to increased enforcement, extra offences and Crime Stoppers Hoon hotline initiative.
From 28 April to 30 September, 2008 Crime Stoppers submitted over 2,100 Information Reports on Hoon drivers for action with local Traffic Management Units.,p>
Victoria Police are in a better position to target hoon driving and areas of hoon behaviour than ever before.
Crime Stoppers Hoon Hotline is a smart, more efficient and more responsive way to address community concerns about hoon driving.
Members of the public can report hoon activity to police by phoning
1800 333 000 or visiting the website at www.crimestoppers.com.au.
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